Adds new Article 80, Statewide Poverty Task Force, to GS Chapter 143 to create the North Carolina Statewide Poverty Task Force (Task Force)within the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). Provides for 30 voting members on the Task Force with ten appointments each by the Governor, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the President Pro Tempore of the Senate. Specifies criteria for making theappointments. Alsodesignates eight nonvoting, ex officio membersto be on the Task Force.

Requires the Task Force to (1) identify long and short range goals for eliminating poverty in North Carolinaand (2) develop a coordinated, integrated, ongoing approach among state agencies, departments, and institutions to reduce poverty in the state by establishing and implementing poverty reduction targets.

Directs the Task Force to submit an annual report by March 1 annuallyto the Governor and to the General Assembly on its recommendations on poverty reduction and economic recovery. Requires the Task Force, beginning with January 1, 2015, and every two years thereafter, to determine if there has been a reduction in poverty in the state. Provides that at such time when the Task Force ascertains that poverty in the state, as measuredat the time ofthe effective date of this act, has been reduced by at least 50%, the Task Forceis to make a final report to the General Assembly and terminate upon the filing of the final report.

Provides for the appointing of co-chairs, authorizes the Task Force to contract for consultant services, and provides that vacancies are to be filled by the original appointing authority. Authorizes the Task Force in discharge of its dutiesto request records and information from all state officers, agencies, agents, and departments. Also provides the Task Force with the authority to subpoena witnesses. Provides that the TaskForce members arenot to receive compensation but may receive travel and subsistence as specified.

Appropriates $150,000 for fiscal year 2013-14 and $150,000 for fiscal year 2014-15 from the General Fund to the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to fund the work of the Task Force.

Appropriates $150,000 for fiscal year 2013-14 and $150,000 for fiscal year 2014-15 from the General Fund to DHHS to fund the salaries and support costs for two new personnel positions in DHHS dedicated to staffing the Task Force and implementing the interdepartmental collaboration among state agencies, departments, and institutions to advance poverty reduction and economic recovery in the state.

Effective July 1, 2013.